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| Recreational Access and Conservation - Conservation and Public Service Activities | Short Cuts | ||||
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Dedicated to conservation and multiple use of public lands for recreation opportunities. Edited by: John Stewart |
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Los Coyotes Indian Reservation Clean Up: Oct. 14, 2000
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| Sons of Thunder 4WDC Loading an old engine |
In early September, 4-wheelers at Los Coyotes Indian Reservation received the news. A Tribal Council decision would end over forty years of access to reservation trails. Joe Torres and the San Diego 4 Wheelers sparked a drive to counter rumors that 4-wheelers were responsible for a serious litter problem on the trails which lead to the decision to close. They set out to demonstrate that the 4-wheeling recreationist is a steward of the land.
A few e-mails sparked comments on 4-wheeler bulletin boards which generated more e-mail. Within a span of four weeks, an idea became reality. The 4-wheel recreationists answered the call. The Los Coyotes Cleanup was set to begin on October 14. The clean up effort was organized the the San Diego Four Wheelers with the assistance of Jay Miller and 4 Wheel Parts Wholesalers.
On Friday, 4-wheelers began converging on LCIR. Participant registration began at 8am with a Drivers Meeting was set for 9am Saturday. At the Drivers Meeting, Joe Torres outlined the days schedule. Three groups would spread out and remove all trash found and return by 4pm for a BBQ. The first group was assigned the Lookout Tower lead by Jim Cowling of the San Diego 4 Wheelers. The second group was the Old Mine Trail lead by Paul & Michele Lambotte of the San Diego 4 Wheelers. The third group, with the Pirates of the Caribbean and the Bob Sled Run Trails, was lead by Roger Mullins of the Tierra del Sol 4WD Club of San Diego. As the Trail Bosses lead their groups out of camp, volunteers continued to arrive. A final attendance of 180 people representing 18 clubs and associations and 65 vehicles was recorded with one travelling from Fresno to participate.
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| One trailer load |
The days effort tallied two abandoned vehicles removed, one water heater, one V-8 engine, one fold-up bed, two large rolls of shag carpet, one Buick in about ten pieces and over 30 plastic bags containing about 500 pounds of trash.
The evening cook out was fantastic affair with plenty to eat and drink courtesy of 4 Wheel Parts Wholesalers. These guys from 4WPW not only donated the food, but cooked it as well. After the meal, a bonfire was lit and Jay Miller of 4WPW drew names for $500 worth of gift certificates.
Joe Torres commented, "I want to thank all the participants that gave their time this weekend. You were asked to go out and dirty your hands on land that is not even yours and you were there with no questions asked. Folks, I wish I could thank each and everyone individually. You guys were great."
Sadly, Los Coyotes Indian Reservation 4 wheel drive trails are expected to close as early as May 2001. The Tribal Council cited that after 40 years it was time to move in another direction. Also cited was income from Indian gaming provides the tribe the opportunity to explore new options. In spite of the pending loss of many primer 4 wheel drive trails, the 4-wheel recreationists displayed community spirit. To the Los Coyotes Tribal Council. Thank You for over 40 years of memories. Let us not forget what four wheeling is all about. It is about being part of a unique community that loves to share their passion of the outdoors with friends and family.
LCIR, Going, going...
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